U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyMedium
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of the following is an example of a concurrent power, meaning it is shared by both the national (federal) government and the state governments?
- APrinting money
- BDeclaring war
- CEstablishing post offices
- DCollecting taxes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Collecting taxes
Concurrent powers are those that can be exercised by both the national (federal) government and the state governments. Collecting taxes is a prime example, as both federal and state governments levy taxes on citizens and businesses.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Printing money is an exclusive power of the national government.
- B. Declaring war is an exclusive power of the national government.
- C. Establishing post offices is an exclusive power of the national government.
Concurrent Powers
Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments under the U.S. Constitution.
- Exercised by both national and state governments.
- Examples: collecting taxes, building roads, establishing courts.
- Contrast with delegated (federal-only) and reserved (state-only) powers.
Memory trick: Concurrent means 'con'-joined, like two hands sharing a task.